Milestones of Science: The History of Humankind's Greatest Ideas (Reading Line)

Well presented and layed out book, for people generally intrigued by humanity's striving towards finding ultimate knowledge.

Award-winning science writer Curt Suplee provides a lightweight overview of the history of science in this richly illustrated book from National Geographic. It's effectively written in a series of very short (one-page) chapters, each one covering a specific scientific advancement and accompanied by an appropriate illustration or illustrations. Not surprisingly, it's a bit simpleminded, lacking in controversy and focusing on "the mighty march of science." Still, it's a good read with marvelous illustrations, and even I (who consider myself an expert in the history of science) learned a few things. I'd recommend this one for a bright youngster (junior high or thereabouts) who is developing an interest in science, or for an adult looking for a simple, easy-to-read overview of the history of science.